System and method for industrial process control

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a process control unit for controlling a process wherein the controller utilizes hardware and modular software to accomplish the control. The modular software for interfacing the process with the user allows the user to utilize predefined software interfaces with a human machine interface. A user need only define the text and parameters to be displayed and then map them to a specific element of the human machine interface therein expediting process parameter modification at a later time.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of industrial process control. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern process plants, designed for flexible production and to maximize recovery of energy and material, are becoming more complex. Advanced control can improve product yield; reduce energy consumption; increase capacity; improve product quality and consistency; reduce product giveaway; increase responsiveness; improve process safety and reduce environmental emissions. [0003] By implementing advanced control substantial reductions in operating costs can be obtained. These benefits are clearly enormous and are achieved by reducing process variability, hence allowing plants to be operated to their designed capacity. Process units are tightly coupled and the failure of one unit can seriously degrade overall productivity. This situation presents significant control problems. However, it is generally acknowledged that there is currently not one techni...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In many industrial settings, the production facility is crowded and in some cases overcrowded with equipment that is utilized to create the marketable end product. Placement of new equipment, such as a hardened programmable logic controller panel, in proximity to the process to be automated can be extremely difficult in many settings because of space constraints. Implementation of a compact system that minimizes space consumption becomes a critical determinant to automation in such applications.

[0018] The process control system of the present invention is compact and can readily be mounted in close proximity to the process being controlled and can also be mounted in a hardened enclosure to protect the componentry. The close proximity of the controller to the process being controlled gives the process operator an advantage when reprogramming process parameters. The operator can enter data using the data entry device such as a keypad and then view the data subsequent to entry to confirm its accuracy on the display device such as an LCD screen. Once the data is entered and confirmed by the operator, the production process can be initiated and viewed by the operator in close proximity to the process to witness the updated operation and confirm process operation is as desired.

[0019] The system and method for industrial process control utilizes

Problems solved by technology

Few industries can survive without automating their processes and minimizing the amount of human oversight because of the increasing portion of revenue that is consumed by personnel costs.

Moreover, human oversight of industrial systems generally cannot compare with the quality provided by automated systems.

Programmable logic controllers; however, frequently lack sufficient capabilities to control a robust process with sophisticated oversight requirements unless additional input/output (I/O) control hardware and feedback capabilities are pur

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